Book Reviews

Voracious Reader...

 As a voracious reader, I have found that sometimes the fictional characters in the books I read have inspired me to follow my heart almost as much as real people that I know. If they encourage me, there is the possibility that they might also do the same for you.

     I will warn you now that I read all kinds of books, nonfiction and fiction, it doesn't matter!  So, one review might be of a romance novel and the next might be a memoir. You just never know with me!  But, then again,  that means that there should be something for everyone!

     If you have read the book, please leave your comments for other readers to see.  Let me know what you think.

   The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

     I know that I said only a few weeks ago that this book was on my To Be Read list.  I work at a library and had ordered it to come from another library.  Only a few days later, while waiting for it to arrive, I got the brilliant idea to check our ebook list through our library.  The funny thing is, the book is on its way to our library now, and I have already finished the ebook version!
     I have to admit that this is the first book of Sarah's that I have read, and I absolutely loved it! Without giving away too much of the story, I can say that it centers on Willa and Paxton and what they discover about friendship.  Although friendships, old and new, seems to be the main theme of the book, I think it made more of an impact on me for a much deeper reason.
     Willa and Paxton, along with several other characters in the book, all went to school in the same small town.  They grew up knowing each other their whole lives, or did they?  Because, although, you may know someone since first grade, you still may not know them at all.  Is it because they are hiding part of themselves from you, and everyone else?  Or is it because they don't even know themselves very well yet? 
     Many of us keep getting older...well, scratch that, we all are getting older!  But not all of are getting to know ourselves any better.  We maintain the persona of what everyone expects of us, but we aren't really sure of who we really are or what we want in life. 
     If we are going to lead an "authentic" life that means we have to live it for ourselves. We have to learn what makes us most content and find ways to incorporate that into our lives more and more.  We can't live our lives to meet everyone else's expectations; we can only live to meet our own. But you have to know yourself well enough to know what your expectations are. 
     Read "The Peach Keeper" and you will understand.  Be true to yourself, and be true to your true friends!! Let me know what you think after you've read it!!

 

  All the Right Reasons by Sandy James

     Jozsa (Joy) Kovacs is a free-spirited artist who feels stifled by the expectations that her family has put on her. Descended from gypsies, her father is determined to keep the old ways alive. Even if that means pushing Joy into the life that he has chosen for her.  Although she is determined to follow her passion as an artist, she still hasn't worked up the courage to stand up to her family.   When Luke Mitchell comes into her life, Joy is faced with choosing between following her heart or letting someone else lead it. 
     In many ways, Joy is a very familiar character to me.  I know many people that have a passion that they would like to follow.  But, whether it is family, friends, or just circumstances, they let others influence what direction their lives should take.  I like the fact, that although they are small steps, she follows her heart by applying to art school and constantly sketching. 
     When Luke finds the lovely artist "trespassing" on his property, he can't help but be drawn to her.  As he encourages her artistic side, he also stirs something deep inside her soul.  Will it give her enough courage to stand up to her family?
     In All the Right Moves, Sandy James has created an inspirational character who is faced with an all-too-real decision to make.  My hope when you read this book, is that you see a little bit of Joy shining through, too.  Take those small steps, but don't be afraid to face whatever is in your path to follow your passion.  It is your life to lead!